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Resolution Audio Opus Players?

Lately,these players are appearing for sale and I am in the market to purchase a new digital player. I know it has been around for sometime.Is there a new player on the horizon from Resolution Audio? Have tastes changed for something better...ie Sony 5400,Playback Designs,computer audio? Is there a update to this player or is it old news?

Thanks!!
chuckie

Showing 2 responses by kurt_tank

kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Hey Chuckie,

I still use the Resolution Audio Opus 21, and I find it to be a near reference CD player, IMHO.
(It can be bettered, but typically only by units that cost two to three times its' cost. i.e. Audio Aero Capitole Mk II, or the EMM Labs CDSA, are two that come to mind.)

There is a new CD Player coming out from Resolution Audio, but it is not a replacement to the Opus 21, but a newer, more expensive unit, as it is supposedly a reference CD player. (FYI: This is from a discussion I had with Jeff Kalt, the owner-designer of Resolution Audio, a couple of months ago.)

The used prices for the Opus 21 are coming in around $1,600-1,800, which is about half the retail price of $3,500, which is about right for a unit that has been on the market for 10 years or so. If you are in the market for a great CD Player that comes from a company that has been around for awhile, and that offers great customer service, I can easily and heartily recommend Resolution Audio's line of CD players.

My two cents worth.
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Tvad,

Interesting, as that is news to me.

My unit, acquired second hand, (I believe it was a year old when I bought it), has been in use by me for a number of years, (five or six I believe), and the transport has never failed. And in fact it is still going strong.

However, I will readily admit that the laser did fail a couple of months ago, (@ Christmas time), and Jeff Kalt replaced it quickly and easily. Jeff did say that the laser is typically good for about five years, and mine lasted six or seven years, so apparently I bet the odds. (FYI, I dropped it off to him at his place in San Francisco, which may explain why he repaired it for such an unbelievably low price. You would not believe me if I told you the cost, so I will not bother. If you really want to know, email me.)

Buying ANY piece of equipment "used" is always a gamble. That is why one should attempt to buy used equipment that is made in one's own country, IMHO. Repair costs and shipping costs will be just that much lower, if and when the time comes to have it repaired and/or upgraded.
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